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Tuesday, June 10, 2014

New Immigration Act Will Tighten Screws On Illegal Immigrants And Cut Human Rights Appeals

Cynthia Barker writes...Just getting ready for a live interview with a Manila radio station which wants to know how the new Immigration Act will affect Filipinos in the UK.

For the vast majority of Filipino British residents who are here legally, for instance the many thousands of nurses and care assistants who work in the NHS, the new laws will have little effect - except perhaps those who want to marry or enter into a Civil Partnership.

However, the new Act, which received the 'Royal Assent' on 14th May, will make life tougher for illegal immigrants and visa overstayers in the UK, the Home Office hopes.

New laws will force landlords to check the immigration status of tenants and banks to check a database for immigration offenders before opening an account.

The million plus illegal immigrants said to be in Britain will also find it more difficult to obtain a driving licence, as links between the Home Office and other government departments are strengthened.

What next? Perhaps we will have to show our passport before we get on a bus or train? Or those previously dropped plans to introduce mandatory ID cards for everyone will make a comeback?

How about getting Tescos to scan your passport along with your Clubcard to stop visa overstayers eating?

The government also wants to clamp down on 'medical tourism' and abuse of the NHS by making temporary visa applicants, such as students make a contribution to the UK health service.

There is one government department which doesn't seem to mind whether or not you are legally in the UK: HM Revenue and Customs! HMRC will take your tax, no questions asked, even if you are working in the UK illegally. However, the employer could be fined £10,000 for employing an illegal worker.

Even us immigration advisers will be subject to stricter controls as the OISC regulator is given new powers to clamp down on advisers who submit 'no hope' further leave to remain applications to the Home Office, which according to the government clog up the system and waste public money.

The Home Office hopes the new Act will reduce Human Rights appeals and Article 8 'right to a family life' claims allowing foreign criminals to remain in the UK. Overstayers will be deported first and have to lodge their appeal in their own country. Immigration detainees will be prevented from lodging endless bail hearings once they have been refused.

If you need advice on any immigration matter, including overstaying your visa, EU or UK immigration law, or want to appeal against a refusal, call Cynthia Barker on 07850 307687 or 0208 731 5972 or email her your details to immigration@londonccs.com. Cynthia Barker is a qualified OISC Registered Immigration Adviser, with 15 years experience in immigration matters, with a team of Level 3 Immigration Law Practitioners, Concept Care Solutions, Middlesex House, 29-45 High Street, Edgware, HA8 7UU.

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